Soon after reading Perfect Remains, I suspected that this serial killer series would become one of my favourites. After reading Perfect Prey, I can definitely say it's now in my top crime series list. Both books feature DI Luc Callanach and DI Ava Turner and are set in Edinburgh.
In Perfect Remains, DI Luc Callanach arrives in Scotland and is drawn straight into a murder investigation. Women are being taken and murdered by a serial killer, with very little of their remains being left behind. Can Callanach and Turner prevent another death? Time is running out....
In Perfect Prey, Callanach and Turner are back, investigating a series of gruesome murders. Each victim seems to be a pillar of the community. Their name is featured on graffiti around the city - graffiti that appears BEFORE the crime takes place. What's going on?
I can't praise these books highly enough. I read them in two sittings each, totally engrossed in the chilling plots, kept on the edge of my seat, barely taking a breath.
In both books, the killings are very dark and very twisted with a hint of horror. The writing is stunning and compelling, with vivid descriptions of people and places. It's also emotional - the detectives are very real, flawed but realistically so. Callanach is French/Scottish origin, which provides an intriguing backstory.
This would be a perfect series for the big (or little) screen. There are SO many twists and turns and 'gasp out loud' moments - these intelligent crime thrillers are a brilliant rollercoaster read. No cliches here - these plots are totally unique. If you're a fan of Fiona Cummins' Rattle (one of my favourite serial killer books), you're likely to enjoy Helen Fields' books too (and vice versa).
I'm looking forward to seeing how Callanach continues to develop as a character, and also his relationship with Turner as the series goes on. So I can't wait to read Helen Field's next book, Perfect Death, which is out in January 2018.
About the books
Perfect Remains
Published by Avon (26 January 2017)
Publisher's description
On a remote Highland mountain, the body of
Elaine Buxton is burning. All that will be left to identify the respected
lawyer are her teeth and a fragment of clothing.
In the concealed back room of a house in
Edinburgh, the real Elaine Buxton screams into the darkness…
Detective Inspector Luc Callanach has barely set foot in his
new office when Elaine’s missing persons case is escalated to a murder
investigation. Having left behind a promising career at Interpol, he’s eager to
prove himself to his new team. But Edinburgh, he discovers, is a long way from
Lyon, and Elaine’s killer has covered his tracks with meticulous care.
It’s not long before another successful woman is abducted
from her doorstep, and Callanach finds himself in a race against the clock. Or
so he believes … The real fate of the women will prove more twisted than he
could have ever imagined.
Published by Avon (27 July 2017)
Publisher's description
Welcome to Edinburgh. Murder capital of
Europe.
In the middle of a rock festival, a charity worker is sliced
across the stomach. He dies minutes later. In a crowd of thousands, no one saw
his attacker.
The following week, the body of a primary school teacher is
found in a dumpster in an Edinburgh alley, strangled with her own woollen
scarf.
D.I. Ava Turner and D.I. Luc Callanach have no leads and no
motive – until around the city, graffitied on buildings, words appear describing
each victim.
It’s only when they realise the words are being written
before rather than after the murders, that they understand the killer is
announcing his next victim…and the more innocent the better.
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